50% discount in Cost of Mobile Calls among Staff employees

Dubai: 13 December 2007 - du, the new telecom operator in the UAE, has announced that it has provided du SIM cards to over 50,000 employees of the ETA Group of companies. The du offering includes a 50 per cent discount in the cost of calls made among ETA Group employees in the UAE. du also has a dedicated team of account managers to handle the ETA Group labour camps across the UAE.

Underscoring du's commitment to providing innovative tailor made solutions and niche offerings to every segment of the society, Osman Sultan, CEO, du, said: "This initiative is a mark of our appreciation to a vital component of the UAE's workforce. It also validates our endeavour to facilitate an easy means of communication for construction labourers, helping them stay connected with their families and friends."

Stating that du was the obvious telecom provider of choice due to their innovative value added services and the strength of its network connectivity in the camps, Syed M Salahuddin, Managing Director, ETA, said: "We are delighted to offer du's unparalleled services and excellent solutions to our employees, who are an integral part of our company and constitute the pillar foundation of our success. We are always keen to recognise their dedication and hard work by offering unique added value services to them."

The ETA Group is a leading corporate entity in the Middle East and recently won an award for Outstanding Asian Contribution to ME Development at the Asian Business Awards ME 2007. The Group was

established in 1973 as a joint venture between the Al Ghurair Group of the United Arab Emirates and Amana Investments Limited of Hong Kong.

With headquarters in Dubai, the ETA-Star Group network encompasses 140 branches and associate offices in 21 countries, employing over 50,000 people.

-Ends-

About du
du, the new telecommunications company in the UAE, launched mobile telecommunication services on 11 February 2007 across the UAE in addition to internet and pay TV services in some of the free zones of Dubai. Call Select, the first of du's nationwide Fixed line services for voice telephony, was launched in July 2007.

Among du's many firsts is its historic Number Booking Campaign for both individuals and business, Pay by the Second billing system, Mobile TV, Mobile Payments, first of its kind 'WoW' recharge card (which offers customers the choice between more credit and more time) and Self Care. du business offers include Closed Business User Group and preferred International Destinations.

du's retail network, currently numbering 16 du shops located in strategic locations across all emirates, was launched on 25 February 2007, supporting the delivery of du services to customers. 

du is 40 percent owned by the UAE Federal Government, 20 percent by Mubadala Development Company, 20 percent by TECOM Investments and 20 percent by public shareholders. It is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and trades under the name du.

du was recognised as the 'Best Brand' for its innovative branding and outstanding success at the Telecom World Awards Middle East 2007.

www.du.ae

For further information on du, please call:
Luma Jasim
Director, PR and media relations
du
Tel: +971 4 362 2134
Fax: +971 4 360 4440
Mobile:  +971 55 552 6759
e-mail: luma.jasim@du.ae

Bina Mathews
PR Manager
du
Tel :+9714 3693828
Fax: +9714 3604440
Mobile: +971 55 4577984
e-mail: bina.mathews@du.ae

© Press Release 2007